Mr Norman’s Classroom Blog

There are some differences to the typical homework routine this week.  Please check the homework page.  In our guided reading class we are completing the literature book Bud, Not Buddy.  Our latest guided reading lessons involved using questioning and predicting strategies to improve comprehension. We completed the literature book Hatchet in our homeroom reading class. In math we have been preparing for the math MCAS using the TIPS method (Think, Identify, Plan, Solve). We have also been learning to add, subtract and multiply fractions.  In writing we have completed research for our Colonial Letter Writing Project.  Students took notes on colonial characters and life in colonial Williamsburg. Tomorrow is the first day of the math MCAS.  The second and final day of math MCAS is Wednesday.

Rooms 14+11 will be taking home science homework on a regular basis between now and Monday, May 15th when they take the science MCAS.  Each 5th grader will be given an MCAS review packet that simulates the experience of the the 5th grade science MCAS.  When doing open response questions on their homework I have encouraged the kids to answer the best they can even if they think they don’t know the answer.  We’ll always review each science class.  It’s important that the packet come into school on a daily basis and go home on a daily basis. This process began with Room 14 today.  Room 11 has science tomorrow and that is when they will first begin to take the packet home. In other test related news their is a social studies test this Friday.